Sump Pump Installation

Many homes have a problem of their basements filling up with water or other drainage material. If you are also experiencing a similar situation, then you need to read this article. In order to have a proper drainage solution, you're going to have to install a sump pump in your basement. What is a sump pump and how to install it? Just read ahead for this information. And then you can decide if you're going to go ahead with the sump pump installation for your basement.

What is a Sump Pump
Homes that have their foundation levels lower than the average sea level are generally prone to flooding, leakage and seepage into the basement. As a basement waterproofing method, sump pumps arrived. A sump pump drainage system is basically a pump which ensures the collection and deposition of any water or material from the basement, into a pit that is dug underground. The pump then removes the water from the pit and either lets it into the main drainage system of the house or simply lets it out into an open area. There are various types of sump pumps available in the market. Just look around in your local home improvement store and you'll find one that suits your needs and requirements. Also, you'll be able to judge the cost of installing a sump pump in your basement.

Instructions for Installation
Though you can save up on the installation cost by doing it yourself, it is always better to get a professional, qualified and experienced person to install the sump pump in your basement. Nevertheless, for all the brave-hearts and exceptionally handy people reading this, here are some easy to follow steps

• Decide the Spot: The first thing you need to do is decide where exactly you want the sump pump installed. It has to be near an outlet (GFCI) to plug the pump into. If you do not have one in the basement, then you need to get one installed first.
• Dig the Hole: The next thing you need to do is dig a hole in the floor, to fit the sump pump basin in. For this, first make a stencil on the floor using the basin's outline. Mark it on the floor and then dig a hole that is much bigger than the outline. Bigger meaning wider and deeper than the basin.
• Fill with Gravel: Next step, you need to collect some gravel and fill up the hole (up to one third of it) with gravel. You can collect gravel from around your home if you have any or you can always walk into the closest home improvement store and buy some.
• Place the Sump: Take the basin and place it on top of the gravel that you have put into the hole. Stand in the basin, and continue to fill the hole with more gravel. Do this till only the upper portion of the basin remains uncovered.
• Connect the Pipes and Wires: Now you'll need to connect the PVC pipe. Then, using a drill, you'll need to drill a hole into a pipe that you will see above the pump. This is the discharge pipe. By doing this, you are ensuring that even when the pump is turned off, the water goes through the hole and into the pump. Use wires ties to connect all the necessary electric chords. Finally, connect the check valve (if you don't have one, get one installed) to the discharge pipe. Once all this is done, you can safely place the pump into the sump.

Your sump pump installation is complete and you have probably saved a lot of bucks on what would have otherwise been a hefty price. Maintain regular upkeep of your pump to avoid frequent problems and in turn frequent flooding or leakage into the basement.